Do you aspire to one of the most prestigious roles a recent law school graduate can aim for? Then securing a federal clerkship might be on your radar. The Princeton Review has just released its latest rankings for law schools that excel in placing graduates into these coveted positions.

This year’s ranking highlights the institutions where students have the highest chance of landing a federal judicial clerkship upon graduation. Based on school-reported data, this list reflects the percentage of 2024 J.D. graduates who secured clerkships at federal courts.

So, which law schools are setting their graduates up for success in the judiciary? Here’s the rundown from Princeton Review:

1. University of Chicago Law School - Up from third place last year, Chicago takes the lead. 2. Yale University Law School - Holding steady, Yale continues its tradition of excellence. 3. Harvard University Law School - Making a significant jump from sixth to third place this year. 4. Stanford University School of Law - Previously first, now in fourth place, but still a top contender. 5. University of Notre Dame Law School - Slightly down from last year, but still in the top five. 6. University of Virginia School of Law - Consistently near the top, now at sixth. 7. University of Texas at Austin School of Law - Leaps from tenth to seventh this year. 8. University of Alabama School of Law - Holding a strong position in the rankings. 9. Duke University School of Law - Remains a solid choice for aspiring clerks. 10. University of Michigan Law School - A new entry in the top ten this year.

While these rankings provide a quantitative look at where graduates are landing federal clerkships, they don’t delve into the nuances of the positions, such as whether they involve feeder judges or the prestige of the court, be it circuit or district, Article III or non-Article III courts. These details are critical as they significantly influence a clerkship's impact on future career opportunities.

Princeton Review invites feedback and additional insights into the specifics of these clerkships. If you have information to share, reach out to help deepen the understanding of these rankings.

Did your alma mater make the list? Do you believe the ranking reflects the true opportunities your school provides for entering the federal judiciary? Share your views and join the conversation about these prestigious placements. For more detailed information and to view the full ranking list, visit the Princeton Review’s official site.

This closer look at top law schools for federal clerkships in 2025 provides aspiring legal professionals with essential information for planning their educational and career paths.